'Latin American Unification: A History of Political and Economic Integration Efforts' is an objective and optimistic narrative by Salvador Rivera of the region’s attempts at consolidating its collective strength

With elections scheduled in seven Latin American countries, 2014 will be a year of significant political developments in the region. As we enter 2014, Gateway House examines the important events that defined Latin American politics and economy in 2013

Latin America is witnessing an exponential rise in regional integration of business houses. The resource-rich nature of most Latin American economies has led to an inward concentration of investment, which makes it an extremely interesting prospect for Indian investors.

The newly-formed Pacific Alliance bloc seems more like a political club to counterbalance the Atlantic-facing, Brazil-led Mercosur group. However, the bloc accounts for 30% of India’s trade with Latin America. Can India engage the group so it is not left out from their Asia focus?

As the Arab world remains engulfed in protests, there may be lessons to be learned from other recent democratic converts. Latin America’s growth story may provide the Arab world with some recommendations on how to address socio-economic issues in the post-revolution scenario.